Nico Paz’s decision to remain at Como instead of returning to Real Madrid is proving increasingly rewarding, with the Argentine midfielder establishing himself as one of the most exciting young players in European football.
The 22-year-old faced an important decision during the summer transfer window when Real Madrid expressed interest in bringing him back to the Santiago Bernabéu.
However, Paz believed remaining in Italy would provide better opportunities for his development, particularly after becoming an important figure under manager Cesc Fàbregas.
His decision attracted considerable attention because returning to Real Madrid would have represented an opportunity to establish himself at one of Europe’s most successful clubs.
Instead, Paz prioritized regular playing time and continuity with Como, a decision that has already produced impressive results.
Real Madrid officially confirmed on June 29 that an agreement had been reached for Paz to remain at Como for the 2026-27 season at the player’s request.
The Spanish club also retained an option to reacquire his registration rights for the 2027-28 campaign.
Paz’s development in Italy has been remarkable since joining Como from Real Madrid in 2024.
The Argentine quickly became an important component of Fàbregas’ attacking system, demonstrating creativity, technical ability and confidence in possession.
His performances helped transform Como into a competitive force in Serie A.
During the 2025-26 season, Paz scored 12 goals and provided seven assists as Como finished fourth in the Italian league with 71 points.
That achievement secured the club’s historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Paz was also named Serie A’s Best Young Player for the 2025-26 season, recognizing his influence on Como’s impressive campaign.
The individual award represented another significant milestone for a player who had chosen to continue developing away from Real Madrid.
His performances have continued attracting attention during the 2026-27 Champions League campaign.
On Wednesday, Paz delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career as Como defeated Manchester United 4-1 in the league phase.
The Argentine scored twice and provided an assist, playing a decisive role in a memorable victory for the Italian club.
Paz opened the scoring after just two minutes with a left-footed finish that beat Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
He subsequently provided the assist for Anastasios Douvikas before scoring his second goal in the 56th minute.
The midfielder carried the ball forward during a counterattack before finishing with his left foot to give Como a 3-0 advantage.
His performance was particularly significant because those were his first two Champions League goals.
Paz finished the encounter with two goals and an assist, reinforcing his importance to Fàbregas’ team.
The victory over Manchester United also earned Paz UEFA’s Player of the Match award, adding another individual recognition to his growing list of achievements.
He has now scored twice in Como’s first three Champions League matches, while his performances have demonstrated that he can influence games against established European opponents.
His technical ability, vision and composure have made him an important attacking weapon for Como, particularly when operating between midfield and the opposition’s defensive line.
Paz has also strengthened his position within Argentina’s national team.
During the October international window, he scored in three consecutive matches, finding the net against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.
His performance against Benin was particularly memorable because he scored after receiving an assist from Lionel Messi during the Argentina captain’s final international appearance.
Paz had previously assisted Messi on his international debut, making their final appearance together an emotional moment in his development.
The three consecutive goals further established Paz as one of the players capable of assuming greater responsibility within Lionel Scaloni’s squad.
His emergence has also prompted comparisons with Messi, particularly following the Argentine legend’s retirement from international football.
Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi has publicly backed Paz as a potential successor to Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt.
Ludi praised the midfielder’s talent and work ethic, expressing confidence that he possesses the qualities necessary to handle such responsibility.
Although replacing Messi’s influence is an enormous challenge, Paz has demonstrated that he can contribute through goals, assists and creative play.
His performances for Argentina and Como have made him an increasingly prominent candidate to inherit the famous shirt.
For Paz, the decision to remain at Como was never simply about rejecting Real Madrid.
It was about choosing an environment where he believed he could develop through regular competition and greater responsibility.
Under Fàbregas, he has become a central figure in Como’s attacking system, helping the club reach the Champions League and establishing himself as one of Serie A’s outstanding young players.
His performances against Manchester United and his recent goals for Argentina have provided further evidence that remaining in Italy was a successful decision.
Paz chose continuity over an immediate return to Madrid. His development at Como has justified that choice.
